J.K. Rowling “Thrilled” at Special Recognition

Today, the British Book Awards (or Nibbies) were announced. We previously told you that several publishers and promoters of J.K. Rowling’s books were nominated in various categories, including Pottermore for the Harry Potter and the Cursed Child script release campaign; Little, Brown publishers for Publisher of the Year; and Bloomsbury Children’s Books, which publishes the Harry Potter books in the UK for Children’s Publisher of the Year.

While none of the above nominees won at today’s awards ceremony, J.K. Rowling herself was honored with the Bookseller’s Association Outstanding Contribution Prize for her. Rowling said that she was “thrilled” and “overwhelmed” by the recognition:

Twenty years ago, I would hardly have believed I’d have a book published, let alone an accolade as wonderful as this.

But gracious as ever, Rowling also shared her honor with those whom she credits for bestselling books: booksellers themselves. “I want to thank you all for supporting my books throughout the years – this award is really for you!” she said.

With the massive and continual success of the Harry Potter series and accompanying companion books and materials, booksellers certainly have been busy over the past 20 years fulfilling wizarding world fans’ desperate need for new magical stories. We have a lot to thank them for as well!